The Top 10 Calmest Dog Breeds Are Perfect for Small Spaces and New Pet Owners

Many dog owners will tell you that their home was not complete without the addition of their canine friend. Having any pet is incredibly rewarding, and there's no substitute for the unmitigated attention and love that dogs show us. If you are just starting your family, then you have probably found that selecting a new dog can be quite an involved process.

There are many factors to consider, starting with the basic characteristics of various breeds. Training is beneficial for any new dog in your life, especially as a bonding exercise, but there are more intricate details to consider. A great deal of insight into a dog’s personality today can be gleaned from their breeding history, which can sometimes be traced thousands of years. If you have a child or are expecting one soon, the priority is to bring home a pooch that won’t intimidate them. It is not always intentional, but regardless, the risk of injury from energetic or territorial types exists.

There is no ordered consensus that dictates the calmest dog breeds of all time, and that is because every pup has a unique personality. We can pinpoint which are predisposed to being calm and sometimes even sluggish, which should help in your search for your new family member. Just remember, even the laziest dog needs a few walks a day.

MaxPixel

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog is known for its confidence and its calm demeanor, after helping farmers with various tasks many years ago. Its loyalty and need for companionship make it a great breed for families.

Pixabay

Bulldog

Many of the calmest dogs happen to also be some of the heaviest historically, like the gentle bulldog. The American Kennel Club also mentions that bulldogs are known to be “fond of children,” making them great even if you have young ones in your home.

Lara/Wikimedia Commons

Clumber Spaniel

This breed of spaniel is great with everyone, including kids and other dogs. The Clumber is considered a working dog, but it does not require intense exercise like other in its class.

Airwolfhound/Flickr

Irish Wolfhound

Irish wolfhounds make docile companions and alert guard dogs. They used to accompany their owners on hunts, but today they are content to lay on a rug and nap all day.

Public Domain Pictures

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is another strikingly large dog, known for its attention and affection. The biggest problem you will face owning one of these gentle giants is handling all that slobber and hair.

Pixabay

Scottish Deerhound

Going for walks with this bred hunter may present some challenges, especially if your dog is not trained. That said, they are quiet and gentle in the home.

MaxPixel

Bichon Frisé

One of the few verified calm toy breeds is the Bichon Frisé, a happy and resilient cotton ball of a dog. These little guys love to play and train but are not aggressive.

Weexolo/Wikimedia Commons

Xoloitzcuintli

This breed is native to Mexico and has always been an important part of their culture. After all, they named the dog after Aztec god Xolotl. The Xolo, as they are affectionately known, are quiet and aloof, making them perfect companions.

Tina Creates/Wikimedia Commons

Collies

Border collies are considered the smartest dog breed in the world, and their cousins, known simply as collies, also tend to be the most docile. They love children and have plenty of affection to go around to the whole family.

MaxPixel

Great Dane

Almost all the breeds in this list could classify as large dogs, but the Great Dane has an untold amount of mass. Despite their size, the heavier Danes (compared to slightly lighter versions of the same species) are great with children—as long as the kids don’t get frightened by the sight of them.